Masseur denies sexually assaulting woman during massage
The woman said she removed a towel covering her face to find the man allegedly sexually assaulting her
A masseur has denied sexually assaulting a woman during a massage appointment.
Janish Karivelilparambil Janardhanan, a 43-year-old Indian masseur living in Birżebbuġa, was accused of committing non-consensual acts on the woman, subjecting her to physical intimacy and acts with sexual connotations.
It is understood that the woman had gone for a massage when the accused asked if he could massage her abdomen area, to which she consented. The accused allegedly placed a towel on her face.
She then allegedly felt the accused pressing her breasts. When she removed the towel covering her face, she saw him allegedly licking her breasts. The alleged incident took place on September 8, and the man has since been fired.
Legal aid lawyer Yanika Bugeja requested bail. The prosecution objected, noting the man is without a job and his residence permit was tied to his job.
The court denied the man bail, and he was remanded in custody.
Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech presided.
AG lawyer Krista Spiteri Lucas prosecuted, assisted by police inspector Dylan Pace.
Legal aid lawyer Yanika Bugeja appeared for the accused.
Lawyers Herman Mula and Silvan Pulis appeared parte civile.